Arachova

For the village in Aetolia-Acarnania, see Platanos, Aetolia-Acarnania. For the village in Arcadia, see Iraia. For the village in Laconia, see Karyes.

Arachova Αράχωβα
Arachova
Arachova
Location within the regional unit
Coordinates: 38°29′N 22°35′E / 38.483°N 22.583°E / 38.483; 22.583Coordinates: 38°29′N 22°35′E / 38.483°N 22.583°E / 38.483; 22.583
Country	Greece
Administrative region	Central Greece
Regional unit	Boeotia
Municipality	Distomo-Arachova-Antikyra
• Municipal unit	139.45 km² (53.84 sq mi)
Elevation	968 m (3,176 ft)
Population (2011)^[1]
• Municipal unit	2,770
• Municipal unit density	20/km² (51/sq mi)
Time zone	EET (UTC+2)
• Summer (DST)	EEST (UTC+3)
Postal code	320 04
Area code(s)	22670
Vehicle registration	ΒΙ
Website	arachova.com

Arachova (Greek: Αράχωβα, also Αράχοβα) is a mountain town and a former municipality in the western part of Boeotia, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is a municipal unit, part of the municipality Distomo-Arachova-Antikyra.^[2] Its name is of South Slavic origin and denotes a place with walnut trees. It is a tourist destination due to its location in the mountains, its traditions and its proximity to Delphi.

Greek rebels under Georgios Karaiskakis defeated the Ottomans at the 1826 Battle of Arachova.

The Formaela cheese from Arachova has been designated as a protected designation of origin.^[3] Nearby Arachova, modern ski facilities are a magnet for visitors. Although contemporary culture tends to flatten regional folklore, the town maintains some local customs and demonstrates them at celebrations on 23 April, in the honor of the patron Saint George.

Arachova has a panoramic view, uphill small houses and the cobbled streets show a picturesque architecture. The town center includes a huge and steep cliff, the Bell Tower, covered with dense ivy. At the top of the tower is a large 10m height clock. Arachova is famous for its black wine, its "brusque", the colorful textiles, carpets and rugs, handicrafts and woodcut creations as well.

Geography

Arachova is situated about 970 m (3182 ft) elevation on the southern slope of Mount Parnassus, above the valley of the river Pleistos. The municipal unit has an area of 139.448 km².^[4] Arachova is located 8 km E of Delphi, 9 km northwest of Distomo, 18 km southeast of Amfissa and 26 km west of Livadeia. The Greek National Road 48 (Naupactus - Delphi - Livadeia) passes through the town. The Parnassos Ski Centre is situated to the north.